No goating around for soapbox pupils
THERE was competition for politicians down on the farm this week as local schoolchildren took to their soapboxes.
And the audience they were addressing was all ears - in the form of inquisitive goats at Heeley City Farm.
Marlcliffe Primary School is one of 90 across the city to be accredited as an ESCAL school (aiming for Every Sheffield Child Articulate and Literate by the age of 11). And the soapbox project is the latest scheme to encourage communication skills.
"Getting children to talk confidently and speak clearly in front of others is all part of what we're trying to do," said Marie Lowe, Sheffield's principal advisor in language, literacy and communication.
To encourage children to develop these skills, ESCAL co-ordinators came up with the idea of kits, containing a wooden soapbox and a microphone that records to its own computer memory for up to four hours at a time.
Workers at Heeley City Farm took up the challenge of making the soapboxes and the first 30 have now been delivered to schools citywide - with more on the way.
"Schools are using their soapbox kits in ever more imaginative ways," said Marie. "It's not just the politicians who are taking to the box to get their views across.
"We are monitoring the many good ideas being passed on to us by teachers. Even very young children are being encouraged to learn simple rhymes and use the soapboxes to show others their knowledge."
BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.
MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters
Email to a friend
Print this page- Sheffield school massage sessions under fire
- SHEFFIELD UNITED: Blades told to turn on style in bid to regain second place: Urges Danny Wilson
- A tough-talking TV show has put the spotlight on a Sheffield restaurant. Julia Armstrong went to see what has changed...
- Biobank study will add to knowledge
- Fleetwood Mac, Sheffield Arena - REVIEW AND SLIDESHOW
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
